Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128124
By BLAKE CONNER lenty of exciting new bikes have been announced for 2002, but it's Honda that may have just pulled the ace out of their sleeve in the sportbike market. The brand-new 2002 Interceptor may just be the most exciting new sport-oriented bike of the year. The CBR929RR is now the CBR954RR and has been significantly updated for '02. After winning the World Super- P bike Championship in their first attempt with the RC51 a year ago, Honda has applied the lessons they learned to the new '02 RC51. Another completely new model is the 919 (nine-one-nine), which is a naked bike powered by a motor inspired by the original CBR900RR. Last, but not least, is the all-new 2003 ST1300/STI300ABS sport-touring bike, which hadn't received a significant update in 12 years. eN INTERCEPTOR The VFR800FI Interceptor is now simply called the Interceptor, and that's because the bike has been completely redesigned for 2002. The Interceptor has been one of the most versatile sportbikes on the market for years - with a strong motor, a comfortable seating position, and solid handling. The new bike promises to take this to an all-new level. The 2002 Interceptor has a host of features that make it stand out as one of the most exciting new bikes of 20'02, foremost among them the all-new VTEC engine, which is the first of its kind on a mass-produced motorcycle. The VTEC cylinder head gives the motor a split personality - acting as a twovalve motor below 7000 rpm, which favors low and mid-range torque, and then as a screaming four-valver as it rips toward redJine and topend performance. In addition to the revolutionary new engine, the Interceptor has received significant upgrades to the chassis as well; including an allnew linked braking system (ABS is optional), new suspension, and completely new bodywork. The dry weight of the new Interceptor is a claimed 490 pounds for the standard version, and 499 pounds with the optional ABS. The styling of the new Interceptor is a complete departure from the VFR800FI. The new bike has sharp angular lines, and simply looks more modern than the previous bike. The headlights dominate the front of the bike, with four multi-reflector lamps for maximum nighttime illumination. Another styling detail that jumps out is the twin under-seat exhaust silencers, which poke out from below and behind the rear fairing and seat. 919 [NINE·ONE·NINE) Honda hasn't really had a naked sportbike in its lineup since the '91 Hawk GT, which the American market wasn't quite ready for at the time. Now, with the popularity of the genre taking off in America, Honda has introduced the 919 (nine-one-nine). The engine was inspired by the original CBR900RR's. It's a 919cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled, 16-valve engine and features Honda's latest fuelinjection system with 36mm throttle bodies. The fuel-injection system features a throttle-position sensor and advanced 3-D FI programming for crisp, linear throttle response. The 427 -pound bike features an upright seating position, with upright, pulled-back handlebars. The frame is a steel mono-backbone design, which uses the engine as a stressed member. The swingarm is aluminum and is mated to a single rear shock that has provisions for preload adjustments. The forks are 43mm cartridge units and feature 4.7 inches of travel. Braking is handled by a pair of 296mm discs up front, with four-pistons calipers, and a 240mm disc and single-piston caliper out back. The exhaust canisters are very similar to the new Interceptor's, fit up under the seat, and are set center-up, according to Honda. They look coolon a naked bike like the 919, because it exposes the rear end and gives it a clean look. The bike has 17-inch rims front and rear, and wears a 180/55ZR17 tire on the rear and a 120/70ZR17 on the front. The bike is available in one color, Asphalt. 16 OCTOBER 3, 2001 • cue • _ n __ •